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How many times have you seen something at work that wasn’t quite right?
A computer lead lying across the floor, a puddle on the floor, a colleague not wearing the right health and safety equipment or maybe even a piece of carpet that has never quite fitted correctly?
If we’re being honest, we’ve probably all spotted something like this at one time or another and just walked past it in the hope that somebody else would sort it out.
But seemingly minor problems can very quickly become big ones, putting employees at risk of serious harm and employers at risk of hefty fines.
Construction companies are most at risk, with 30 people dying in workplace accidents in 2020/21 alone.
At Acorn Safety Services, your UK-wide health and safety consultancy, we are urging you to take action today by taking a moment to ‘see it and say it.’
Why should I get involved in health and safety at work?
While most businesses have health and safety officers and facilities managers who are there to deal with health safety matters on a daily basis, in truth we are all responsible for each other’s health and safety.
By taking the time to move the computer lead, mop up the puddle and point out to a manager that your colleague isn’t wearing the right equipment, you could help to save someone from serious injury – or worse.
You should also make sure that you are familiar with your organisation’s health and safety policy and get to know your health and safety team. They are there to look after you and keep you safe.
How many people are affected by workplace accidents in the UK?
According to the latest batch of statistics from the Government’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 441,000 people were injured at work in 2020/21. 51,211 injuries were reported via the HSE’s Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations, which is more commonly known as RIDDOR.
More than 2,500 people died from asbestos-related mesothelioma.
More recent statistics from 2021/22 show that 123 people were killed at work. Of those 123, 30 worked in construction, 22 in agriculture, forestry and fishing and 22 in manufacturing. Most of the deaths were caused by falls, being hit by vehicles or other moving objects.
I’m an employer and I’m worried about health and safety regulations. What shall I do?
The Management of Health and Safety Regulations 1999 states there is a requirement for businesses to have access to competent health and safety advice under Regulation 7. This could be either be internal, or external via a consultant such as Acorn Safety Services.
As a fully independent health and safety consultancy, with UK-wide coverage, Acorn Safety Services is perfectly placed to help you with all of your health and safety needs.
You can book a call or an appointment with one of qualified health and safety consultants who will make sure you and your business fully comply with all the latest rules and regulations.
If you’re involved in construction, we can make sure you are meeting all of the construction, design and management (CDM) requirements and carry out health and safety audits on your building site.
Our highly-trained team of experts can also help you with fire assessments and legionella testing for complete peace of mind.
There is also plenty of information and advice on the Acorn Safety Services website including our book, Fear and Loathing of Health and Safety which will help you cut through Government red tape and avoid those costly fines.
I’ve seen a potential breach of health and safety regulations at work. What can I do?
The advice from the HSE is very clear. If you spot something at work that isn’t right, you should always report it.
The first step would be to raise it with your manager or your health and safety officers – that information should be readily available. You could also report it to your union or employee representative.
If you are still not satisfied, you can get in touch with the HSE direct.
The important thing to remember at all times is ‘see it and say it’
For all your health and safety needs visit https://acornhealthandsafety.co.uk/ today or contact us at info@acornhealthandsafety.co.uk or on 01604 930380.
